Ariana Grande & Michelle Yeoh Join Wicked Movie Cast | Bode Garnett News
- Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, will host Marissa Bode, a rising star currently appearing in the hit musical Wicked, for its annual spring student lectureship on April 17,...
- Bode, who plays a featured ensemble role in Wicked, has been acting professionally since the age of eight and received formal training.
- The stage production of Wicked, which premiered in 2003, continues to be a major draw for audiences worldwide.
Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, will host Marissa Bode, a rising star currently appearing in the hit musical Wicked, for its annual spring student lectureship on April 17, 2026, according to a report from The Bucknellian.
Bode, who plays a featured ensemble role in Wicked, has been acting professionally since the age of eight and received formal training. The Bucknellian notes that she will be discussing her journey in the performing arts and offering insights into the world of professional theater.
Wicked Continues Box Office Success
The stage production of Wicked, which premiered in 2003, continues to be a major draw for audiences worldwide. The current film adaptation, Wicked: Part I, released in November 2024, has grossed $758.8 million worldwide, according to Wikipedia. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, and features a supporting cast including Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey.
The film adapts the first act of the musical, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, a reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Universal Pictures and Marc Platt Productions collaborated on the film, having previously produced the stage musical.
Michelle Yeoh’s Involvement in the Film
Michelle Yeoh joined the cast of Wicked after receiving a personal appeal from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. According to Variety, the two stars sent Yeoh a video message urging her to take on the role of Madame Morrible. Yeoh initially had reservations, but the video convinced her to join the production, despite not being a singer.
“Michelle, it is imperative that you join us!”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, via Variety
Yeoh described the experience of returning to the set of Wicked after promoting her Oscar-winning film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, as “grounding.” She noted the contrast between the high-pressure environment of awards season and the collaborative spirit of the musical production.
Jon M. Chu and the Film’s Production
Wicked: Part I was directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Chu had previously collaborated with Michelle Yeoh on the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Yeoh initially wasn’t familiar with the musical Wicked, but after reading the script and receiving the video message from Grande and Erivo, she quickly embraced the project.
The film’s production faced delays, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The adaptation was ultimately split into two parts to ensure that all plot points and character development could be fully realized. The film boasts a budget of $150 million.
Bode’s Lectureship at Bucknell University
Marissa Bode’s appearance at Bucknell University will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from a working professional in the theater industry. The lectureship is expected to cover Bode’s experiences navigating auditions, rehearsals, and performances, as well as the challenges and rewards of a career in the performing arts. The event is scheduled for April 17, 2026.
Further details about the lectureship, including time and location, will be announced by Bucknell University in the coming weeks, as reported by The Bucknellian.